12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile

1. Product Type: Natural Stone Field Tile
2. Material Type: Natural Marble Tile
3. Sold By: Piece
4. Tile Color: White, Gray
5. Tile Size: 12 X 12
6. Tile Coverage: 1 piece is 1 sq.ft.
7. Tile Surface Finish: Polished
8. Tile Thickness: 3/8
9. Tile Edge Finish: Micro-Beveled

Please, Keep in Mind: All Sizes Are Nominal

Elevate your space with the timeless elegance of our premium 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile. Sourced directly from the prestigious quarries of Carrara, Italy, this marble tile embodies classic luxury with its distinctive white background and striking grey veining. Each tile is polished to a high sheen, enhancing the natural details and creating a sophisticated, reflective surface that adds depth and allure to any room.

Design Considerations:

Perfect for those looking to introduce luxury into their interiors, the 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble can transform any space. Its classic aesthetic pairs well with both contemporary and traditional decor, providing a seamless integration with stainless steel fixtures, wooden accents, or glass elements. Ideal for creating a bright, airy feel, it reflects light beautifully, making rooms appear larger and more open.

What Makes Mistral Tile Different Than The Others?:

Mistral Tile has over 30 years of experience in the natural stone industry. Owning our quarries and controlling the entire supply chain allows us to guarantee the quality and authenticity of every tile sold. Our dedication to sustainability and ethical practices ensures that every purchase supports not only aesthetic goals but also environmental stewardship.

Exceptional Customer Service:

Great Customer Service Here For All Your Questions and Help Request:

At Mistral Tile, our dedication to customer satisfaction is reflected in our 24/7 customer support. We are committed to providing our customers with personalized service and are always available to assist with any project or inquiry.

Superior to Synthetics: 

Unlike porcelain or ceramic tiles, natural marble features unique textures and variations, bringing an irreplaceable element of nature into your home with its eco-friendly production to compare porcelain or ceramic tiles. etc.

Durability: 

Known for its longevity, Bianco Carrara marble maintains its allure over decades, outlasting other materials and thereby offering greater value for your investment.

Origin: 

Bianco Carrara Marble is quarried in the Apuan Alps of Italy, an area with a centuries-old tradition of marble extraction.

Bianco Carrara marble tiles are ideally suited for a multitude of settings:

•  Residential: Create breathtaking foyers, elegant bathrooms, and chef-worthy kitchens and more with 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile
•  Commercial: Elevate the ambiance of hotel lobbies, executive suites, and high-end retail environments and more with 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile
•  Outdoor: Though generally recommended for indoor use, in climates where freezing is not a concern, these marble tiles can also beautify outdoor kitchens, patios, and pool areas and more with our 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile

What Are Key Points of 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile

1. Premium Quality

Sourced from the renowned Carrara quarries in Italy, our marble tiles are crafted from the finest quality marble. Each tile undergoes meticulous selection and processing to ensure durability and a flawless finish.

2. Timeless Elegance

Bianco Carrara marble is renowned for its classic beauty, featuring a pristine white background with soft, elegant gray veining. This timeless design adds a touch of sophistication to any space, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.

3. Premium Finish

The Polished Surface: This finish confirm the natural beauty of the marble.

4. Versatile Application

These tiles are perfect for a variety of applications, including flooring, walls, bathroom, kitchen, shower, backsplashes, and countertops. Their versatility makes them suitable for both residential and commercial spaces, allowing for a cohesive and luxurious design throughout any project.

5. Cool and Comfortable

Marble is known for its natural ability to stay cool, making it a comfortable flooring option, especially in warmer climates. This feature adds a touch of luxury and comfort to any space.

6. Easy Maintenance

With proper sealing and care, Bianco Carrara marble tiles are easy to maintain.

7. Natural Variation

Each tile is unique, with natural variations in veining and color. This ensures that no two tiles are exactly alike, providing a one-of-a-kind look that adds depth and character to your design.

8. Enhances Property Value

Installing Bianco Carrara marble tiles can significantly enhance the value of your property. The luxurious appeal and timeless beauty of marble are highly sought after, making it a worthwhile investment for any home or commercial space.

9. Environmentally Friendly

Marble is a natural stone that is environmentally friendly. Its production has a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic materials, and it is fully recyclable, making it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious homeowners and builders.

10. Heat Resistance

Bianco Carrara marble has excellent heat resistance, making it an ideal choice for kitchen countertops and areas around fireplaces. It can withstand high temperatures without being damaged, ensuring longevity and durability.

11. Luxurious Touch

The 12 X 12 size is perfect for creating a seamless and luxurious look. Whether used in a large open floor plan or a small, intimate space, these tiles provide a high-end finish that elevates the overall design.

12. Enhances Light

The light color and subtle veining of Bianco Carrara can help brighten a room by reflecting natural and artificial light. This feature is particularly beneficial in smaller spaces or areas with limited natural light.

By highlighting these unique features, your 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile product will stand out as a premium and desirable option for your customers on mistraltile.com.

From the ancient quarries of Carrara, Italy, to the luxurious spaces in your home, Bianco Carrara marble undergoes a meticulous journey of selection, extraction, processing, and transport. Its unmatched beauty and quality make it a timeless choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of luxury to their living spaces.

Embracing the Beauty of Natural Marble Variations:

Understanding Natural Variations on Natural Stone and Marble:

When you choose 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile, you are selecting a product of nature, renowned for its unique beauty and elegance. One of the most captivating aspects of natural marble is its inherent variations in color, veining, and texture. These variations are not defects; rather, they are a testament to the marble's authenticity and natural origin.

The Beauty of Unique Veins of 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile

1. Distinctive Veining: Each marble tile boasts its own unique pattern of veins, ranging from subtle and delicate to bold and dramatic. These veins are formed over thousands of years through natural processes, making each tile a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
2. Natural Variation: The slight differences in hue and veining create a rich, textured appearance that artificial materials simply cannot replicate. This variation is what gives natural stone, natural marble, natural onyx, natural travertine and natural granite its luxurious and exclusive appeal.

Why Variations Enhance the Beauty of 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile

1. Unique and Exclusive: No two tiles are exactly alike, ensuring that your installation is truly unique. This exclusivity adds a level of sophistication and luxury to your home, setting it apart from the rest.
2. Depth and Character: The variations in the marble create a sense of depth and character in your design. This dynamic look adds visual interest and transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones.
3. Natural Elegance: The natural beauty of marble, with its unique patterns and variations, exudes elegance and timeless charm. It is a material that has been cherished for centuries, used in some of the world's most iconic buildings and sculptures.

Dispelling the Myth: Variations as Defects

It's important to understand that the natural variations in Natural Stone, natural marble and travertines are not flaws or defects. They are the very qualities that make this material so desirable:

1. Nature's Signature on the 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile: The variations are nature's signature, marking each tile as a genuine product of the earth. These features are celebrated by designers and architects for their ability to create stunning, bespoke spaces.
2. Quality and Craftsmanship: 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile The presence of natural veins and color variations is a sign of high-quality marble. Each tile is carefully selected and crafted to highlight its natural beauty, ensuring that the end result is a harmonious and visually appealing installation.
3. Enduring Appeal: The timeless appeal of natural stone and natural marble lies in its natural variations. Unlike uniform, mass-produced materials like porcelain, ceramic etc., natural stone and natural marble offers a sense of history and permanence. Its beauty evolves over time, adding to its character and charm.

Creating a Luxurious and Unique Space with 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile

By choosing Natural Stone and Natural Marble Tile, you are investing in a material that will bring unparalleled beauty and elegance to your home. The natural variations and unique veining patterns are what make each installation special, providing a bespoke look that is truly yours.

Embrace the natural variations of marble as a testament to its authenticity and superior quality. These features are not imperfections; they are the essence of what makes marble a luxurious, unique, and highly sought-after material. When you install Natural marble in your home, you are creating a space that is not only beautiful but also a reflection of nature's artistry. Enjoy the exclusive and timeless elegance that only natural marble can provide.

Tools and Materials Needed:

• 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile
• Tile adhesive (thin-set mortar)
• Notched trowel
• Tile spacers
• Level
• Tile cutter or wet saw
• Grout
• Grout float
• Sponge and clean water
• Sealer
• Rubber mallet

Preparation:

1. Surface Preparation: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and level. Remove any old flooring, debris, or adhesive. Repair any cracks or uneven areas to create a smooth substrate.
2. Layout Planning: Plan your tile layout by dry-laying the tiles, starting from the center of the room and working outwards. Use tile spacers to maintain consistent gaps for grout lines.

Installation Steps:

1. Applying Adhesive: Mix the tile adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive evenly on a small section of the floor or wall.
2. Setting the Tiles: Place the first tile into the adhesive, pressing firmly. Use a level to ensure it is even. Continue setting the tiles, using spacers to maintain grout lines. Tap tiles gently with a rubber mallet to ensure they are securely in place.
3. Cutting Tiles: Use a tile cutter or wet saw to cut tiles as needed to fit around edges, corners, and fixtures.
4. Drying Time: Allow the adhesive to cure for the recommended time, usually 24 hours, before proceeding with grouting.
5. Grouting: Mix the grout according to the instructions. Use a grout float to apply the grout, pressing it into the gaps between tiles. Wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge, rinsing frequently to keep the sponge clean.
6. Sealing: Once the grout has cured, typically after 72 hours, apply a high-quality marble sealer to the tiles and grout. This will help protect the marble from staining and enhance its longevity.

Regular Cleaning:

• Dust and Dirt Removal: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and dirt. Use a soft broom or a vacuum with a hard floor attachment.
• Mopping: Clean the tiles with a damp mop using a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for marble. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the marble surface.
• Spot Cleaning: Wipe up spills immediately with a soft cloth or paper towel to prevent staining. For tougher stains, use a marble-safe cleaner.

Periodic Maintenance:

• Sealing: Reapply a marble sealer every 6-12 months to maintain the marble's protection against stains and moisture. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
• Polishing: For honed marble, polishing is not typically necessary. However, if the surface begins to show signs of wear, consult a professional for polishing or refinishing.

Preventive Measures:

• Protective Pads: Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and damage to the marble surface.
• Rugs and Mats: Place rugs or mats in high-traffic areas and entryways to minimize dirt and grit that can scratch the marble.
• Avoid Heavy Impact: Be cautious when moving heavy objects across the marble surface to prevent chipping or cracking.

Long-Term Care:

• Professional Maintenance: Periodically, consider professional cleaning and maintenance to keep your marble tiles in pristine condition.

By following these installation and care instructions, your 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile will maintain its beauty and elegance for years to come, enhancing the luxurious feel of your home.

Natural stone and Natural Marble like our 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile is a popular choice for a wide range of architectural and design applications, largely due to its durability and the vast array of finishes that can be applied to enhance its natural beauty. The surface and edge finishings not only determine the stone's aesthetic appeal but also its suitability for specific applications and environments. Here’s an overview of common surface and edge finishings for natural stone:

Common Surface Finishes:

Polished Surface:

Creates a shiny, reflective surface that highlights the color and markings of the stone.

Uses: Ideal for countertops, walls, and floors in low-traffic areas; commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens. Because of polish finish is a slippery finish, it is not suitable for wet flooring like, bathroom flooring, shower flooring, pool surrounds etc. But you can use it on all walls without problem including shower wall, bathroom wall.

Honed Surface:

Provides a flat to low sheen gloss, though it is less shiny than polished stone. The surface is smooth but with little reflection.

Uses: Suitable for high-traffic areas and floors where minimal slip resistance is required, such as living rooms, kitchen floors, Swimming pool surrounds, bathrooms and hallways.

Tumbled Surface:

The stone is tumbled with pebbles and other aggregates to create a rounded, smooth edge and surface with an antique appearance.

Uses: Great for pathways, patios, pools or as decorative stones in garden landscaping.

Brushed Surface:

Features a worn look achieved by brushing the stone with steel or hard nylon brushes.

Uses: It’s often used for both interior and exterior walls and floors to create a less formal or aged look.

Sandblasted:

A rough but uniform texture is achieved by blasting sand against the stone surface under high pressure.

Uses: It’s often used for exterior walls, floors, and other outdoor applications where a textured finish is desired for slip resistance.

Leathered Surface:

This finish retains the stone’s natural color, giving it a more sophisticated look than honed. It has a soft sheen that is less glossy than polished stone, and the texture is soft and smooth.

Uses: It is popular for countertops, especially in kitchens where the slight texture provides additional stain resistance.

Flamed Surface:

The stone surface is exposed to a very high temperature flame that bursts the crystals in the stone, leaving a heavily textured surface ideal for slip resistance.

Uses: Commonly used for outdoor flooring due to its rough texture, which provides excellent slip resistance.

Edge Finishes:

Straight Edge:

Simple and clean edge with minimal rounding, giving a modern appearance.

Beveled Edge:

Features a cut at a 45-degree angle to the top edge of the stone. This beleving varies leke can be very thin like called micro-beveled edge or deep beveled edge.

Bullnose Edge:

Features a completely rounded or half-rounded edge.

Ogee Edge:

An S-shaped curve in the profile of the edge, providing a formal appearance.

Chiseled Edge:

The stone edges are chipped to give a rough, natural look.

Eased Edge:

A slight softening of the sharp edge seen on a straight cut, reducing the risk of chipping.

The choice of surface and edge finishing will ultimately depend on both the functional needs of the space where the natural stone will be used and the aesthetic preferences of the homeowner or designer. Understanding these options allows for better decision-making when specifying materials for both new builds and renovations.

The Sustainable Choice: Why Natural Stone Tiles like 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile are an Eco-Friendly Option

Introduction to Natural Stone’s Eco-Friendliness

Natural stone tiles, with their unique aesthetics and long-lasting durability, are more than just an elegant addition to any space; they are also an eco-conscious choice that impacts our planet positively. Unlike synthetic alternatives that often involve heavy industrial processing and chemical components, natural stone such as 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile offers a more natural and sustainable solution. This section explores the inherent eco-friendly characteristics of natural stone, stemming from its formation, extraction, and life cycle benefits.

Natural stone 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile is formed over millions of years through natural processes without human intervention. This fundamental difference sets it apart from manufactured tiles like ceramic or porcelain, which require significant energy expenditure and resource consumption to produce. By choosing natural stone, homeowners and developers reduce the demand for energy-intensive, manufactured materials, decreasing the overall carbon footprint of their projects.

Sustainable Quarrying Practices

Quarrying, often perceived negatively due to its visual impact on landscapes and potential for environmental disturbance, has evolved dramatically with modern practices emphasizing sustainability and minimal ecological disruption. Here’s how contemporary quarrying methods uphold environmental stewardship:

• Controlled Extraction Techniques: Modern quarries implement advanced technologies that allow for precision in stone extraction, reducing unnecessary disruption of the surrounding ecosystem. Techniques such as diamond wire cutting are employed to ensure that only the needed stone is removed, minimizing waste.
• Water Recycling Systems: Water is crucial in the cutting and polishing processes of stone tiles. To mitigate environmental impact, many facilities now use closed-loop systems that recycle water used in these processes, significantly reducing quarry and factory water consumption.
• Land Rehabilitation: Post-extraction land rehabilitation is a priority within the natural stone industry. Many quarries are required by law to rehabilitate the land after use, turning exhausted quarries into community parks, wildlife reserves, or agricultural land, thereby restoring their natural state and often enhancing the local biodiversity.

The transformation of natural stone quarries into thriving ecosystems or recreational areas is a testament to the natural stone industry's commitment to long-term environmental health, providing a stark contrast to the scars often left by other industrial operations.

Rehabilitating old quarries into wildlife habitats, lakes, and other natural environments is a sustainable practice that helps restore ecological balance and provides community benefits. Here are some notable examples of quarries that have been transformed into thriving natural habitats and recreational areas after their operational use:

Butchart Gardens, Canada

Visit the Butchart Gardens

Originally a limestone quarry, the Butchart Gardens have been transformed into one of the world's premier floral display gardens. The garden's creators used innovative design techniques to refurbish the quarry site with plants, flowers, and landscaping, turning it into a popular tourist attraction that also serves as a habitat for various bird species and aquatic life.

Hoffman's Quarry, Lancashire, UK

Hoffman's Quarry was repurposed into a wildlife reserve. After limestone extraction ended, the quarry was allowed to naturally fill with water, creating a lake that now supports a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and amphibians. The surrounding area was also landscaped to support native plant species and provide walking trails for visitors.

Saares Quarry, Estonia

This former limestone quarry has been transformed into a scenic lake. The area around Saares Quarry is now a popular spot for local swimmers and picnickers, and it supports a variety of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, making it an important ecological site in the region.

Vulcan Materials Quarry, Columbia, South Carolina, USA

Known as the Harbison Environmental Education Pond, this old Vulcan Materials quarry site was rehabilitated into a pond that is now used for environmental education. It supports local wildlife, including fish, turtles, and birds, and serves as a hands-on educational resource for local schools.

Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, Wales

Once the world's largest slate quarry, it has partially filled with water since quarrying activities ceased. The site is now a haven for wildlife and is also home to Zip World Velocity, the fastest zip line in the world, which attracts tourists, further benefiting the local economy.

Murrin Murrin Park, Western Australia

This disused quarry was transformed into a public park that includes a man-made lake. The park is a popular local recreation area that also conserves native vegetation and provides habitat for local wildlife, including birds and small mammals.

Stearns Quarry Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Once a limestone quarry and then a landfill, Stearns Quarry Park is now a thriving public park. It features a fishing pond, a nature area, and recreational facilities. The park is an example of urban ecological restoration, providing green space and wildlife habitat in a densely populated area.

These examples demonstrate how former quarry sites can be successfully rehabilitated into wildlife reserves, lakes, and community parks, contributing positively to local ecosystems and providing valuable green spaces for public enjoyment and wildlife habitation. This approach not only mitigates the environmental impact of quarrying but also enhances biodiversity and recreational opportunities in the area.

Energy Efficiency in Production

The production phase of natural stone 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile is significantly less energy-intensive than that of their artificial counterparts. Here's why natural stone is considered more energy-efficient:

• Minimal Processing: Once extracted, natural stone requires much less processing compared to materials like porcelain or ceramic. The stone is primarily cut and polished, a process that, while energy-consuming, is still considerably less so than firing tiles in kilns, which is required for ceramic tiles.
• Longevity and Durability: Natural stone 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile stands out for its durability. Floors, walls, and counters made from natural stone such as marble or granite can last a century or more, whereas synthetic products might need replacement multiple times over the same period. The reduced frequency of replacement means fewer resources are consumed over the lifetime of the building, from raw material extraction to manufacturing and transportation.

Use of Waste Materials

Sustainability in the natural stone industry also extends to the management of byproducts. Stone quarrying and fabrication produce significant amounts of waste, but innovative practices have found productive uses for these materials:

Recycled Stone Waste: Stone remnants and dust are increasingly being repurposed into construction aggregates, paving materials, and even into the production of new composite stone products, which themselves are fully recyclable.

Terrazzo and Landscaping: Smaller stone particles are used in making terrazzo flooring and in decorative landscaping applications, transforming waste into valuable products that would otherwise require fresh resources.

Mosaic, Micro Mosaic and Mosaic Arts: Waste from natural stone processing, including scraps and smaller fragments that are unsuitable for larger projects, can indeed be repurposed into mosaic art and micro-mosaic works. This approach not only reduces waste but also allows for the creation of unique, decorative elements that can add value and artistic flair to various settings. Here’s how stone remnants are transformed into these art forms:

Mosaic Art from Natural Stone Waste

1. Creation of Mosaic Tiles: Natural stone waste can be cut and shaped into small, regular or irregular pieces, which are then used to create mosaic tiles. These tiles can be used in a variety of applications, such as backsplashes, flooring, and wall decorations, providing a visually striking element that also uses materials that would otherwise be discarded. At Mistral Tile we also supplying premium quality natural stone mosaic tiles.

2. Artistic Mosaic Projects: Artists and craftsmen often use marble and other stone remnants to create detailed mosaic artworks. These can range from small, intricate designs intended for home décor to large-scale public art installations. The natural variation in color and texture of different stone types adds depth and richness to the mosaic pieces.

3. Micro-Mosaic Works: Micro-mosaic is a technique that involves assembling very small pieces of stone, glass, or other materials to create images or patterns that are often incredibly detailed and precise. Stone remnants are particularly valued for micro-mosaic work due to the variety of natural colors and the ability to polish the tiny pieces to a high sheen.

Benefits of Using Natural Stone Waste in Mosaics

1. Environmental Impact: Using waste stone to create mosaics is a sustainable practice that helps reduce quarry waste. This not only minimizes the environmental footprint associated with mining but also contributes to reducing landfill waste.

2. Economic Value: Turning stone waste into mosaics can generate economic value from materials that would otherwise be considered as scrap. This can be particularly beneficial for quarries and stone processing facilities, as it allows them to diversify their products and offer unique aesthetic options.

3. Unique Aesthetic Appeal: Natural stone mosaics offer a unique aesthetic that cannot be replicated with man-made materials. The natural variations in the stone contribute to the beauty of the finished product, making each mosaic piece one-of-a-kind.

4. Versatility: Stone mosaics can be adapted to a wide range of design styles, from rustic to modern. They can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings, making them extremely versatile in architectural and decorative applications.

Applications and Examples

In homes, natural stone mosaics are often seen as kitchen backsplashes, shower surrounds, and as decorative accents on floors and walls. In commercial and public spaces, stone mosaic murals can be significant focal points in lobbies, courtyards, and exterior facades.

• The practice of reusing stone remnants for artistic and functional purposes underscores the creativity and sustainability within the natural stone industry. It also highlights the enduring value of natural stone, not only as a building material but as a medium for artistic expression.

Biodegradable Nature

Unlike plastics and composites, natural stone poses no long-term waste challenges. Stone is inherently biodegradable:

• Natural Breakdown: Stone gradually breaks down into smaller particles that can be absorbed back into the environment, contributing none of the persistent pollutants associated with synthetic materials.
• Non-toxic Disintegration: As it weathers, natural stone does not leach toxins into the soil or groundwater, making it an environmentally benign choice even at the end of its useful life in construction.

Certifications and Standards

Credibility through certifications plays a critical role in validating the eco-friendly claims of natural stone products:

• Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs): Many natural stone products come with EPDs, which are third-party verified documents that quantify environmental information about the product’s life cycle.
• Sustainable Building Certifications: Projects using natural stone can contribute to achieving LEED certification points, under categories such as sustainable sourcing of materials and resource reuse.

Choosing natural stone like 12x12 Polished Bianco Carrara Marble Tile is not only a decision for unmatched elegance but also a step toward sustainable living. From quarry to your home, natural stone traverses a path that respects and preserves our environmental resources. As more consumers and developers opt for materials that align with eco-friendly values, natural stone stands out as a premier choice, offering both beauty and responsibility.

1. Read the Article about Bianco Carrara Marble